I Am Closing My Aikido Dojo • Martial Arts Journey

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Where a door closes, a window opens. What do you think about me closing the Dojo? I will still announce my next step on Wednesday, yet as always I am open to your feedback.

[@mattjennings5864]

maybe you should start a new career as fight choreographer in movies/dramas! Don't stop practicing aikido for it's good for your body, soul and mind while opening a fight choreography/stunt company!

[@safdarkh786]

Martial Arts Journey It's sad. But its what you feel that matters.

[@jakubmike5657]

I aplaud your honesty, very few people have courage to do something like this. To remain true to your convictions. I honestly never expected that. Kudos to you.

[@Sei1989]

your reasons to have closing your gym just got you a new subscriber.

[@mikecampbell7927]

I say good on you, honestly I've been having similar thoughts about martial arts in general over the last few years its seemed from my perspective that people are always getting caught up in labels ie. "I do aikido" or "I do muay thai" and dont want to deviate from that and will even blatantly ignore other techniques and methods that could improve their skills all because of loyalty to their "style" now true some are more complete than others and dont need much modification but to me in the last 3 years or so I've kind of stopped sticking with a name when people ask me what I train in I just say "martial arts" Bruce Lee already said it but basically I keep what is useful and abandon what is useless, no need to get hung up on names and labels

[@StephanKesting]

Good luck with your martial arts journey my friend!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Stephan! I really hope our paths will cross while I am in the States!

[@krugstillo]

+The Godless Man, bjj is so much battle tested trough years and years of mma and works like a charm against the most dangerous skilled fighters on the planet. Its used inside of an octagon, yes, but the high level of skills you get on ground fighting wont suddenly stop working "on the streets". Its the tma guys that give people a false sense of security- Hapkido, Krav, Ninjitsu, all bullshit that does not work, that is already discredited trough thousands of battle tested mma fights, never working, never doing any shits, martial arts masters that cant fight against your average street fighter taking advantage of gullible people to take their money. By the way, go watch mma. Its the history of martial arts on mma. Footstomps were allowed on pride and on old vale tudo fights. It was low percentage , even against the most skilled strikers on the planet. Almost all the great names from the "foot stomping era" were grapplers, like Sakuraba, Gracies, Arona, Minowa and the list goes on.

[@krugstillo]

The Godless Some other fighters from the foot stomping era that relied heavily on submission skills. Im not including the ones relying just on wrestling skills. Heath herring Carlos Newton Barnett Bustamante Hidehiko Yoshida Tamura Ryan Royce Renzo Rickson Gracies Yuki Nakai Shamrock Bros Minotauro Sakuraba Minowa Arona

[@krugstillo]

The Godless Im brazilian my friend. The "scenario" you talk about was initially "no eye gouges and biting, everything else allowed". Look for Royce Gracie dominating UFC 1 2 and 3, Renzo dominating World Combat Champioship, Rickson Gracie dominating vale tudo japan. "A blackbelt in bjj becomes a yellow belt the moment you hit them in the nose once or twice..." First of all, you need striking skills to hit a bjj in the nose once or twice. Second, thats not true and youre just making that up to make a point. Theres literally thousands of bjj submission victories over the course of fights where the bjj fighter got hit a lot of times. Look no further than Minotauro vs Bob Sapp, Coleman trying to punch Fedor and the armbar that followed, Anderson Silva triangle choke on Chael Sonnen, Minotauro triangle on Coleman, Frank Mir against Brock Lesnar.

[@krugstillo]

The Godless ...and who cares you're brazilian….? it only makes your arguments less valued. Not at all. I watched real close the "rules setup for the Gracies" and they are far away from what you described.

[@holyknightthatpwns]

That's a really brilliant life philosophy - "which choice is more fear driven" is a great question to ask yourself.

[@trevorlambert4226]

Fear is a useful emotion. Blindly ignoring it is no guarantee of good outcome.

[@bryanlejeune8132]

He never said he was blindly ignoring it...

[@pocketchange6010]

fear is a choice

[@lcb1250]

Wow, brave decision! Always appreciate your honesty, but being honest with yourself is even more important. As a martial arts instructor, I spend a lot of time teaching but not as much time learning as I should. Devoting yourself to personal training in order to give more in the future is making me consider a few things about my own time balance of learning and teaching. And even though you closed one dojo, you still have up to 40,000+ who watch your journey!

[@CNRhKXtreme]

Your shirt says it all. It takes balls to push forward and make your wishes come true. Much respect from NY.

[@QuincyBJJ]

Mad respect for what you’re doing man. Hero’s Journey is definitely a good way at looking at your challenge. No matter how difficult your next chapter may be, remember the hero comes out enlightened by the hardships endured.

[@albusfr]

It's a good move mate I respect your decision. Maybe some day you will become like Roy Dean, who is a badass 3rd Dan bjj black belt, and also an aikido and judo black belt. His style of rolling is much more technical, gentle and flowing, and of course with plenty of respect (and wrist locks!)

[@quasar4601]

I think Dean is in Oregon ???? Yes he is every elite

[@JunebugPresents]

Reminds me of a black BJJ practitioner at my NYC aikido dojo who is a 4th Dan in aikido but his style of BJJ is more flowing. He teaches BJJ at my aikido dojo too. Many come far and wide to roll with him.

[@quasar4601]

BJJ is pure self-defense .. Akido is pure nonsense

[@krugstillo]

The Godless Its better to know an effective way of fighting, like bjj, than tma innefective bullshit. Nothing can prepare you to people gang stomping u. OneX one= bjj guy wins easily.

[@quasar4601]

Dean is a bad azz grappler and I think he lives in Oregon. But he does not know anything about striking I am sure.

[@Sergiuss555]

well done. A friend of mine was doing aikido, but then struggled for years overcoming what seemed like a post-cult frustration. I was doing various martial arts here and there, but professed at nothing really. I understand your state, but even more so you remind me of my friend.

[@ItsMe-qe2cf]

I applaud your courage in this decision. I can't even imagine a move as tremendous as this, but I understand your evolution in the martial arts. I've studied TKD, BJJ and MT myself, as well as being certified in Combatives in the Army, and I'm still learning new things and evolving how I look at things. All my support to you and good fortune in your journey!

[@haadnaqvi2305]

Happy to hear that your students loved what you taught them so much that they will be continuing on their own while you look for your next level. All the best Rokas! Wherever you go in martial arts I'm sure you will show us something amazing!

[@MARTiALYOU]

Sounds like you are about to embarked on a re-discovery similar to my own. After learning the Korean Taekwondo system and teaching it for about 11 years I decided to take a breather at the end of 2015. Now, after almost three years off, doing no training at all, giving myself a break to just work and think about what's best for me, I have begun re-immersing myself. Being a student is where all of my fondest memories are, learning, growing, and achieving.

[@VitalityGracieGarage]

I remember your first video where you tested your Aikido against that MMA dude and you were in shock that your Aikido was completely ineffective. If you want to teach reality based martial arts then closing the Dojo is the right move, but if you want to teach all the other stuff that traditional martial arts gives you - discipline, perseverance, coordination, character development etc, then closing it might not be right. Aikido has limited application in a real fight but it does offer people a lot of other tings that are good for them. it's not a waste of time, and not everybody wants to be a killer fighter, some actually like the Dojo for other reasons.

[@Presbiter]

Well said...and if MMA is the next step than be aware of also the next eyeopener to happen sooner or later. All that rolling around on the ground gets you stabbed or stumped to death in the streets also might lose an eye or two^^...cause its a sport with rules and shit that prohibit the stuff that saves your life out there.

[@Kamadev888]

Men go to martial arts classes to learn to fight, not to learn perseverance, coordination and character.

[@VitalityGracieGarage]

Kamadev888: That is a gross generalization that is in fact badly inaccurate. Most people who train, in fact, consider the martial arts as a character building hobby and a good way to get a workout. I've been training for almost 30 years and I can tell you with strong confidence as both an instructor and a martial artist that a large percentage of the people going to karate, Aikido, kung fu, kick boxing, etc are there for fitness, character building and for the chance to participate in a teamwork oriented club. The fact that they learn some self defense in the process is a bonus, but is far from the primary motive. Your average student is not planning on getting into fights on the street.

[@AngryTenko]

In fact, in my experience, it's usually women who go to martial arts or combat sports primarily looking for self-defense, being concerned about things like rape and domestic violence. Men usually go to feel like a badass and get ripped.

[@VitalityGracieGarage]

Yes, for women in many cases this is true. Unfortunately most of the programs for women belong in a movie script rather than in real life...

[@TravisBlandford]

The thing about making choices by thinking "Which of these is more driven by fear?" and going with the other option really struck a chord with me, and I'm going to try to implement this in my own life.

[@carolineandtigger]

Good luck and we wish you all the best.

[@kemigeorge6294]

Damn, I don't even do Aikido, and this kinda bummed me out.

[@reytrevino8284]

Right ?

[@tomrutter1637]

You have an open mind. The most important tool for learning. Whether it be martial arts or life in general. I look forward to your next update.

[@dantex9083]

As a teacher of martial arts where students often come with the expectation of self-defense, you are doing the right thing. You may actually save your students from injury or worse if they were to rely on an ineffective system. In truth a person being attacked would be better reacting with generic intuition that relying on an ineffective art. You are talented and you will adapt at a martial artist rapidly. You have the humility and wisdom that is needed to guide students. I hope you return to teaching after you have finished this stage of your journey.

[@ajlau9481]

thank you for a life lesson; to see what is fear driven. you are perhaps the most genuine martial artist i have seen. though im not a martial artist, i do like your videos and watching combat sports. your sensei/master should be proud of you.

[@jwkolm]

Your an exceptionally enlighten individual. To do what's right in your heart instead of what's financially in your best interest is a rare thing. Whatever you decide to teach down the line, I have no doubt you will be an exceptional instructor because of your honesty and your integrity.

[@Kinos141]

Good choice. You can't teach things you don't believe in convincingly. It's best for your physical and mental health to take a step back. Good luck.

[@gutts077]

True martial artist! Congrats on the clarity provided on your journey. The important thing is we seek our evolution by any means necessary. Regardless of any perceived requirement for loyalty to any one particular style. Do what works for you now not yesterday

[@deocommunist988]

Indeed, I understand your need to venture out, and find yourself amongst the inner turmoil, as a fellow martial artist; but more importantly as another human being. All I can say is that if you stay true to yourself/ follow your own path you'll end up in the right place, may the future bring you great fortune in both knowledge, and understanding, best regards. -Exavier

[@espadathebladegod8234]

There are those who are known as Masters of these arts. But a Master with the mindset of a student to train in another art from another master is a sight to behold. Because there are the many who say I have learned all that I know there is nothing you can teach me. And there are the few that say I may have mastered my art but I'd like to learn yours. Never stop learning.

[@joelhenry5489]

SIR I have described to this channel because of your outlook. You are the truly rare human being that doesn't allow emotion, pride or fear to kep hem locked in an old paradigm that does not work. If more people like you were around this world could be a much better place.

[@henriquenakamura5752]

Your courage to take risks and confront your beliefs is fucking amazing. Good luck! Please don't stop posting!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you

[@ΝΚΣΓΝΡΛΣ-σ8β]

Congratulations for your courage to truly re-evalute and change SOOOO many things, values and ideas. I have a similar path my friend, i totally understand you. If you ever come to Greece, seek my kwoon, i'll be happy to practice with you. You stayed true inside!

[@Ivuspp]

Man, you're a true seeker of the budo. Very few people would have this honesty and integrity. Love your videos and wish you the best luck!

[@FleshMusicNYC]

You get the most out of your journey with self-awareness. That you have. I wish all the best!

[@lissandrabaldanjenkins3806]

I totally respect your decision. Hearing you in this video and how you based your decisions really gave me a “light” about some difficult decisions I need to make about my own life. Thank you for that. I also respect a lot your “internal conflicts” and the need to revaluate the role of Aikido in your life. I would say that I had this experience before and I still have it from time to time.

[@connorkennedy1794]

I really respect that you've shared your martail arts journey and had such an insightful perspective. That's been valuable to the martial arts community as a whole. This video really surprized me. I'm really interested in your next steps. Will stay tuned.

[@svanhoosen]

I'm very proud of you. You have chosen to value what is really true over what you wish was true, a rare virtue that will benefit you all throughout your life.

[@stubbsmcw2997]

Thank you. It is rare to see such honesty and optimism when when confronting one's assumptions. You have given an inspiring example on how to live.

[@bedecha3169]

I admire your inner strength. Best wishes in your journey. I am excited for you! Thank you for the service of sharing your story with the world. Looking forward to seeing how your martial art evolves!

[@jakemuller8626]

i think is a natural step to go forward, when you start to know something different and at the same time you feel you're stuck on what you're doing then it's very heathy to explore some new paths to help you out to grow more and more. Good luck and don't let nothing stop you.

[@ledadaroczi8457]

Thank you for this video. I had an injury early 2018 and was forced to stop training aikido for a while. During my recovery I went through the mental 'rehabilitation' that we may experience when lacking training. I felt extremely frustrated and unhappy with myself. I couldn't practise and all the beauty of aikido was wasting away from me. Then I healed, I went back to my dojo and admittedly I wasn't able to train to my best potential (still being unable to fall). I thought everything is ok, I will train and the practise will be worthwhile. However, I didn't feel the benefits of aikido anymore. I didn't feel that central peace that aikido offers. I felt frustrated and tense. I thought only the practise of aikido can make me the best version of myself, but now I'm realising that thought might have been an addiction. The idea of the healer's circle is astonishing. I feel am I passing the bottom of the circle right now. I even feel a new beginning again. Having watched this video, I feel more at ease knowing that I might not be alone. I understand more about what development is. I understand the heightening as well as the deepening. I understand. :) Thank you for expressing yourself. I am accepting me to be myself because of myself. Aikido is still a very powerful tool, but I am the one who brings it up and uses it. Aikido is no longer an addiction, it is a tool inside my pocket. I decide when to use it and when to rest. And I bow to myself for this.

[@kylieminou7775]

You are a real martial artist. Honest, humble and classy. And with deep knowledge of your art, I know this not because I know a lot about aikido, but when a person questions and realize they don't know as much, it is when they are in the right path. Good luck on your journey, Sensei.

[@joekiser65]

Awesome to see a man be humble and learn. Well done.

[@DjCapnWolf]

You are very courageous and wise. I have learned much from just watching this video. It's very easy to say that truth is more important, or that life is a journey... but to actually back those beliefs up with concrete actions (like you are doing now), well... we just don't see that very often. I respect that. And I know your journey will lead you to the truths you seek. Please bring us along (through your videos, at least). Respect, sir!

[@xandervalltessa3685]

Rokas you have gained countless fans and subscribers since beginning your new path with mma . Seriously you have no idea how much admiration your fans have for you. You epitomize what a true martial artist is all about. You have my utmost respect! A true champion amongst the common man. 🙏

[@ryanmvillarosa]

Much respect to you for moving out of your comfort zone and always having an open mind. All the best, and good luck on your continuing martial arts journey. Osu!

[@ategnatos]

I am glad that your students will continue, and that you are giving them some kind of help. Others have done the same when having to close a dojo for some reason. It is a mark of the value of what you have practiced and taught that your students intend to continue training together.

[@alexandremattos4046]

I admire your courage in closing your dojo. You are following the true path of the warrior! No fear!

[@mikemunson7070]

You are an inspiration. I hope you continue to share your journey

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you. I will do my best

[@carnivalwrestler]

That's a very courageous decision to make. It also shows true humility, a virtue which is in short supply. Very few people (I think) have the courage to do what you're doing. Good luck in your journey, and I hope it brings you a lot of peace and prosperity.

[@benglasby8014]

I’ve just started following you about 3 weeks ago. Your talks with Matt Thornton were what got me to your page. I’m on a journey back to martial arts, and recently took up judo. I don’t have a BJJ gym nearby so this is the best option as it has mainly gi and a few no gi techniques in the teachings. My medium term goal is to get into KUDO as it seems more real than most other martial arts. I look forward to seeing how you go.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks. I'm glad to hear all of it

[@joaquinflores3547]

Kudo is really realistic but in my opinion they use to much protective gear

[@benglasby8014]

joaquin flores maybe, however I’m a professional and need to look professional in public. Plus I’ve had facial surgery from an assault. It really is karate/judo based mma. Paul Cale, former special forces soldier, is the head instructor of it in Australia and he currently teaches police and military units around the world. He believes Kudo is one of the best tools to train people in combat relatively safely.

[@joaquinflores3547]

Ben Glasby well true your right about that no need to get injured or hurt in a martial art specially during sparring

[@cubanheelsbeerbelly]

Nothing but respect for your decision to take the road less traveled on. It sounds like your heart is in the right place, it’s people like you who are making Aikido relevant again.

[@IwanKurniawan-uc9oi]

You have made a brave breakthrough in your life. Be optimistic for your future and keep on learning so you are more fruitful in the future

[@sparky_sipaintball705]

Good luck to you buddy I hope you find your way. I felt the same way when studying Kempo for 5yrs at 45yrs old I have started to walk another path I have just got a yellow belt grading in koi do Ryu. It’s never to late and never to old. Good luck wish you all the best.

[@jaguarazul]

I completely understand. Congrants on such a coherent decision. 👌👏👏👏

[@ovinapatres7327]

What ever you do, it will reflect the years of work in Aikido. The sensitivity and flow that keeps a body healthy and loose, will be with you and in any style you do. In Silat a well known teacher went back to drawing board after heaving difficulty against a strong wrestler and other grapplers. Years later he return with his Silat and even more technical than before. He trained against grapplers and adjusted what was he doing wrong in the practice of his silat. I wish you the best on your new journey.

[@ShoneDaddy]

Big things going on in this channel. Hopefully this all pays off

[@tayyabpirzada146]

I'm glad you made this step. I deeply respect your spirit of enquiry and true seeking of knowledge. Training effective martial arts like BJJ will make you a polished fighter that can hold his own.

[@mcroadracer1]

Wish you well on your new adventure

[@wfTitus]

I am struggling with this very thing right now. Thanks for posting this

[@rawmark]

Good luck on your journey. I believe that you made the right choice for you. You must find what works for you and be happy with your choice. And if ever you should question why you are teaching or the effectiveness of said martial art, you must seek answers from various places to place you on the corrected path. All the best to you.

[@esgrimaxativa5175]

Thank you for sharing this video. I started watching your videos when I saw one about you trying MMA and since then have enjoyed watching your path. I find so much of what you do resonates with me as a predominately sports fencer and coach, moving into the realm of HEMA and other sword arts with a more martial rather than sporting approach. Your decision is one, that many in my sport will hopefully think about and consider when they try to sell Olympic style fencing to potential students coming into it wishing to learn "swordfighting."

[@HairyCheese]

Find your way, make it your own. Leaving a bubble can open the world to you. It's up to you what you do.

[@warriorstkdify]

You have to be honest and true to yourself first and also to your students. I respect your honesty and courage!

[@shmuckling]

I love your philosophy on life choices. Good luck and I hope you achieve what you want.

[@wagutoxD]

I think you "method" of choice is amazing! Something that deserves respect! Always admired your atitude an wish you all the best!

[@Thebriceisright]

Good on you I think you will feel better in the long run knowing you and your students are prepared for any style if they ever have to defend themselves or their loved ones. Obviously it's not about the money for you or you would have stayed and that's awesome follow your heart dude

[@spencergibson8164]

You are an inspiration to all people sir, I hope to find a way to train with you someday.

[@Aarari]

You are an inspiration my friend, with the outmost respect.... thank you! Oss!! *Reverece*

[@amirmoshkani8462]

Mn with the personality you have im sure you will find a better path. Wish you best.

[@thiamyongkuek2113]

Wish you all the best. Love your aikido videos. Learn a lot from it.

[@ivanromualdo4516]

Much respect! I greatly admire persons that follow their principles above all things. Be sure that your discipline,acquired from the aikido, will help you trough your journey. This is,in fact,something that most effective martial arts can not offer you!

[@js3938]

I salute the journey you've embarked upon. My God Bless you and guide you as you move forward!

[@EternalEyeEntertain]

The hero's journey is a perfect analogy for what you are going through. This is your journey.. As a martial artist. To express yourself. I'm sure your students will reach that point sometime in their own lives and will have a better understanding of your decision. Which is good decision by the way. The world of martial arts is like the oceans of the earth. Aikido is a beautiful calm lake with lots of streams that lead to a river. And now you are on that river. I'm going to take a shot in the dark here and say your next step has to do with either joining a new style. Possibly something similar that calls to you or something very different that calls to you. I guess we'll all find out on Wednesday. Congrats on your decision.

[@virgian2]

Called it 5 months ago. Good 4 you dude. Concentrate on different and better arts personally. Good luck on the rest of your journey 👊🏽

[@ratliffbjj2276]

This was a very brave move, I admire your dedication to your convictions. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

[@joeamason117]

Your journey and outlook are inspiring. Keep it up and wish you the best.

[@SRVGH34]

i think we are watching the rising of a great martial artist. Keep going but don't lose yourself in the process.

[@拿達斯]

Agree with you, always follow your heart, keep studying akido then teach ppl more what u discover

[@GuitarsRockForever]

Embrace your challenge, sometimes you have to take risk. Good luck with what ever you decided to follow.

[@rdgnr8]

Things changed, people changed. Good Luck to your journey. Oss!!!

[@YewNayVerse]

I hope you keep making videos about your journey, I used to do some akido I think it's really interesting

[@HoriaNeagu]

Congratulations and good luck on your journey! Hope there will be a lot of learning experiences and a lot of fun along the way!

[@cristianinventor]

What a brave decision, the kind of stuff that forge a great Sensei...

[@kentkreiselmaier8432]

Mad props and respect for doing this. I've been watching your journey from afar, while remembering my own similar journey 20 years ago! (Including buying Matt Thornton's tapes on VHS).

[@edwardguerra1910]

I understand what you are going through. I had a great dojo in Miami Florida and had to close after Hurricane Andrew. Don't stop training and diversity in the arts so when you decide to start-up again, your marketability will be stronger.

[@pledgestone]

This is the correct decision. I did the same thing 22 years ago. I have studied from a lot of teachers over the past 39 years. You know that you have to fill some gaps. Education is a life long pursuit.

[@JSMinstantcoaching]

I have been following your journey and appreciating all the steps while also reflecting on the martial aspect of aikido ( more than 10 years training ranking shodan, and teaching here and there) . I have started training bjj in last october and tried to do both at the same Time for a while, but I had to stop aikido temporarely, because of the mental "conflict" my mind dwelt into. I think your decisoon reframing process is a powerful tool for anyone to use in any décision that iniates fear. I know that many people have had the experience of navigating between what is true and what isn't. It's been really uncomfortable to train aikido and bjj at the same Time for me. I had to pull back from aikido, but now when I think of it I prefer to "reframe" and reconsider my reason to train aikido. So I tell to myself I Can just consider it as my martial art méditation yoga style and not expect any martiality from that anymore. This is hard to swallow, but it's the truth. I won't debate anymore about anything concerning the martial aspect, I will just focus on Love, Sharing, I will just focus on the community the social network, I Can focus on the movement aspect as Ido portal, or Steve Maxwell, will encourage us to do, in the sense that the more our body moves, and moves differently, the better. As far as the truth concerns, the work of Matt Thornton is definitely helpful. your interview with him is a great piece. So I understand your decision as the head instructor and I like your wonderful path. I wanted to share my experience and to show my support. Thank you for this wonderful plateform with so many good feed backs. There is love here and martial arts will build all of us into loving people above all.

[@ventsolaire]

I respect your courage and integrity.

[@WeBreakItAllDownRightHere]

I respect your process immensely. It takes guts to question your own beliefs and lifestyle choices. You've not only done so, but done it publicly, and tested your system before you decided. Really shows you're a true martial artist

[@JimintheGym]

Good luck with whatever comes next!

[@MikePhilbin1966]

Wow, good luck with the next phase, MAJ.

[@thedevilsadvocate3710]

Good luck on your journey! I wish you the best!

[@erwin7051]

I had the same experience. I was an Aikidoka before but now I am into Judo. Good luck.

[@seankelly1291]

I wish that entire economies of scale and countries even would adopt this perspective. Continuing in something that isn’t proving to be the best thing possible is always the wrong thing to do. Your journey of education is what will lead to the greatest gifts you have to offer in your life. You are young and when you are ready from finding and perhaps even founding your own lineage (whatever that means) (or not your own lineage) then you will know the value of what you have in real world terms. Etc, I think you know better what I’m trying to say. Travel and keep learning. And please keep sharing with us what you find out there.

[@minsterEmovenHype24]

Wish you all the best! Good and honest. I closed my dojo 5 years ago, and I can understand your thought process! With too much information online, and people diving into social media, through the day and night, very few people want to train TMA, most want basics of punching and kicking without getting hurt and bit of wrestling moves! so... 👍👍🙏🙏 from India.. HARE KRISHNA!

[@tgdb4968]

Fair play to ya man,it takes some big balls doing what your doing.I studies Aikido for a while and although its a beautiful Martial Art and i enjoyed doing it nobody gonna grab your hand in a fight (Very Unlikely Anyway) so it does not really have its place in the modern world which is a shame.

[@Moodo76]

My journey is similar to yours but in reverse. I have earned black belts in taekwondo and hapkido, got an instructors license in wing chun, done military krav maga and a couple of years of mma/ muay thai. Now, as I'm getting older, I'm turning to aikido for peace of mind and a more gentle way of staying in shape.

[@chriswiber7121]

You are a true warrior.

[@wesleypresberry9704]

An honorable choice, but just means you have grown more and your journey is just continuing. Looking forward to your future.

[@stephendettweiler746]

Which is fear driven? That's good. If I change Jobs right now it would be fear driven. Good word at the right time!!

[@curtisschrum6289]

I stopped teaching Aikido two years ago. For a lot of reasons. I completely support your decision-making process involved.

[@ChristianParkesArt]

This is a good step brother . I think to teach martial arts it's better for you to learn before you teach. Yes you could teach Aikido but now you are very aware of it's limitations it is better for you to study further before you teach again. But remember I think Aikido is still a great thing to lean and I have used it's principles and wrist locks in work as a doorman. I also studied ninjutsu , mma and kick boxing after and all have helped give me confidence to subdue and control violent situations.

[@jb6368]

I have been following you long time. I seen and felt your struggles. I love martial arts,,always did from childhood. Starting in kickboxing I always felt deep pull and desire towards aikido. In my early 20's I made the decesion to study aikido. After not feeling it in one Dojo I moved to another,studied briefly under ray butcher in Dublin,, excellent teacher who lives it. At same time I was employed in job where violence was the main aspect of my day. I started questioning aikido big time,,I wrestled daily with it,,I mean daily. I would deceide to leave aikido as a romantic notion in ideal world but sooner or later I would be drawn back. Now many years later I did indeed leave Aikido as such but now I reflect on it as a almost mediation like interest,,when I find I need grounding I can think on it which I will always be greatful for but in mist of practically I have to leave it in the drawer and out if the toolbox. Thank you for your struggles,,esp man and realist enough to try it once and for all in the world of mma,,,it certainly put demons to rest. Take care and no doubt your only on different journey now.

[@Andulsi]

Very impressed by your sincerity

[@NikimKrow]

You're Wise and brave. Best luck